Lester’s founder, Lester Kronfeld, dies

A World War II Navy veteran who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, Kronfeld opened his first retail store in Brooklyn in 1948. The small, family-owned chain eventually grew to six stores, including two on Long Island in Greenvale and Huntington Station.

All Lester’s locations were closed Monday in honor of Kronfeld’s passing.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lillian, and his children, Stanley, Gary, Sheri and son-in-law Perry.

Services for Kronfeld are being held today at Gutterman’s on Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury.